In the classic film Tombstone, a notable quote from John Ford’s The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance resonates: “When the legend becomes fact, print the legend.”This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the film’s portrayal of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, played by Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer. The narrative spans Wyatt Earp’s efforts to leave behind his gunslinging life in Tombstone, Arizona, only to be drawn back into conflict with the notorious Clanton Gang and the quick-drawing outlaw, Johnny Ringo. The tension climaxes in what is reputed as one of the most iconic gunfights in Wild West history: the gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
While various Westerns have romanticized Wyatt Earp’s legacy, depicting him and his brothers’ vendetta against the Clanton clan, few explore the aftermath of the O.K. Corral. The latter half of Tombstone is dominated by the Earps’ trial for murder and Wyatt’s quest for vengeance following his brother’s tragic death. Instead of concluding with action alone, the film opts for a substantial narrative that prioritizes emotional depth and entertainment.
The Earp Vendetta Explained (& Why It’s So Violent)
Why Is Wyatt Earp Going After The Cowboys?
The brutal murder of Wyatt’s youngest brother, Morgan, heavily influences his decisions, igniting a vengeful spark in him. This part of Tombstone portrays the Earp Vendetta as a relentless pursuit of retribution, threatening to eclipse the earlier gunfight at the O.K. Corral. This depiction of an unyielding Wyatt Earp distinguishes him from earlier portrayals by actors like Burt Lancaster, presenting a more ferocious character driven by personal loss.
In reality, Wyatt, along with Doc Holliday and Warren Earp, took over a year to track down those responsible for Morgan’s death, with many of them remaining elusive. Wyatt, yearning for a peaceful life, was increasingly compelled to respond to the rampant corruption surrounding him, recognizing that doing nothing would grant power to men like Curly Bill Brocius and Johnny Ringo.
What Wyatt Gives Doc In Tombstone’s Ending & What It Means
What Is The Point Of The Badge?
Doc Holliday, who battles tuberculosis throughout his adult life, nonetheless becomes an infamous gunslinger. United by friendship, Wyatt’s decision to hand Doc his badge just before his showdown with Johnny Ringo reflects not only trust but also their deep bond. This moment galvanizes Doc, providing him the courage to confront his rival, knowing he stands a chance with Wyatt’s emblem in hand.
The exchange between Wyatt and Doc symbolizes their partnership, emphasizing moments of camaraderie intertwined with lawlessness in the West. In a poignant final scene, Wyatt visits Doc on his deathbed—something that did not happen in reality—offering him a copy of his book, My Friend Doc Holliday. This moment serves as a fitting closure to their friendship, allowing both characters to find peace in their tumultuous journeys.
Why The Gunfight At O.K. Corral Is So Legendary
Why Have So Many Movies Featured The Battle?
The gunfight at the O.K. Corral is prominently featured in numerous Westerns, with My Darling Clementine and Gunfight at the O.K. Corral among the most notable. However, unlike many other films that treat the confrontation as a climactic point, Tombstone employs the event to transition the narrative, shifting themes and exploring deeper repercussions.
Despite lasting only 30 seconds, this gunfight remains a pivotal moment in American history. Contrary to popular narratives about frequent violence in the West, the showdown catalyzed a significant turning point for the Earp brothers. The scene is marked by the dramatic appearance of Virgil, Wyatt, and Morgan Earp, alongside Doc Holliday, confronting the Clanton Gang amidst escalating tensions that had been brewing for much longer.
Doc Holliday’s “I’m Your Huckleberry”& “Isn’t This Funny”Line Meanings & Historical Change
What Do These Lines Mean?
During his climactic confrontation with Johnny Ringo, Doc Holliday’s declaration, “I’m your huckleberry,”showcases the common parlance of the time, translating to “I’m the one you’re looking for.”This showdown, however, never transpired in real life; Ringo died by suicide years later, eluding both Wyatt and Doc during their quest for vengeance.
This exchange holds significant meaning, particularly concerning the lengths Doc would go to protect Wyatt, underlining their bond of friendship while reinforcing the sense of loyalty that pervades their relationship. Doc’s final line—”Isn’t this funny?”—resonates as it reflects his unexpected reality. He envisioned dying heroically in the midst of a gunfight rather than succumbing to illness, a poignant observation that underscores the tragic aspects of his character arc.
What Happened To Tombstone’s Main Characters In Real Life
What Did Wyatt Earp Do After Tombstone?
Tombstone takes liberties with the real-life accounts of its characters, making adjustments that arguably enhance the film’s dramatic allure. While the Earp brothers did face trial for the gunfight, the judge ultimately dismissed the case. Wyatt’s thirst for vengeance didn’t result in the bloodshed shown in the movie, and he evaded arrest through his departure from Arizona. Meanwhile, after Morgan’s death, Virgil remained in California, where he turned to gold prospecting.
Wyatt would continue seeking fortune in the Yukon’s gold mines, while Doc Holliday sought solace in Colorado, hoping to alleviate his illness through the region’s famous hot springs. Later, Earp would embark on a journey to recount his tales as part of Wild West exhibits and even contributed to the early development of Western films.
The Real Meaning Of Tombstone’s Ending Explained
It Is A Tale About The Cost Of Revenge
, like many Westerns, serves as a meditation on the theme of revenge, raising questions about its worth and cost. Following Morgan’s tragic demise and Virgil’s debilitating injury at the hands of the Cowboys, Wyatt is consumed by a desire for retaliation, rallying Doc and other gunmen for his quest. This escalates into a violent finale, where revenge yields bloodshed and futility, as even those who seem to survive ultimately face dire consequences, like Doc Holliday succumbing to his illness.
Interestingly, the film wraps on a seemingly optimistic note, showcasing Wyatt and Josephine preparing for a new chapter in their lives. Yet, the closing narration serves as a stark reminder of the fates that await these characters, reinforcing the idea that their quests for vengeance lead to inevitable devastation. Tombstone is indeed a thrilling narrative, but it also carries tragic undercurrents, revealing the despair that accompanies cycles of revenge.
How The Tombstone Ending Was Received
The Ending Was Seen By Some As A Weak Point In A Great Movie
Upon its release, Tombstone garnered positive acclaim and has become a hallmark of 1990s Westerns, with memorable lines echoing through pop culture to this day. Nevertheless, opinions regarding its ending vary significantly, with some fans expressing disappointment. One Redditor remarked on the final line, “Then we’ll have room service,”describing it as an underwhelming close to an otherwise exceptional film.
A common sentiment expressed by viewers highlights a rushed conclusion, leaving a sense of unresolved tension. Critically, it has been noted that the film builds toward a thrilling climax but fails to fully explore the aftermath. A review from TV Guide noted:
“Too many characters and not enough time in which to deal with them, and action that seems so rushed to get to the end that important scenes are left out.”
Conversely, some critics argue for the opposite perspective, asserting that the film’s initial pacing dragged before it reached a vivid finale. A Variety review articulated this, stating it was the film’s early moments that lagged, but, once the conflict arose, the movie truly came alive:
“After a weak initial half-hour, Cosmatos judiciously finds the most audience-appealing dimensions of his tale.”